How to Keep Birds Away From Dog Food

Many birds love dog food.

Birds can be a problem when it comes to outdoor pet food and pet food containers. Due to parasites and possible diseases that can contaminate the feeding area of the dog, birds should be kept at bay and prevented from feeding in dog food, water or pet food containers. If trying to feed the birds separately has failed, there are other options.

Things You'll Need

• rubber snake
• fake owl
• rubber lizard, frog
• mesh netting
• pet cage with dog door
• automatic dog food feeder

Instructions

Inexpensive Options to Keep Birds Away from Dog Food

1. Purchase a rubber snake and position it near the dog food. Move it around from time to time so the birds don't get wise to it. Most dollar stores or any store with a toy section carry rubber snakes.

2. Purchase an owl replica and hang it nearby. This works like the rubber snake but may be more effective, depending on what type of birds are feeding. Move it around occasionally so it appears to be alive. Owls can be purchased at garden supply stores and big-box stores.

3. Purchase a colorful rubber lizard or frog and place it near the dog food. Birds know by instinct that brightly colored insects, reptiles and amphibians are harmful and will avoid them.

Use a Contained Feeding Area to Avoid Birds in Dog Food

1. Obtain a pet cage that has a dog door and place it where the dog feeds. Pet cages with dog doors are sold at most pet supply stores, online or can be ordered by request at pet supply stores.

2. Using mesh netting, cover the outside of the cage to prevent entry from birds.

3. Place dog food and water inside the cage and assist the dog in entering and exiting a few times. Use a special treat the first few times to make it more enticing for the dog to enter.

Use a Bird Repellent to Keep Birds Away from Dog Food

1. Obtain a bird repellent from websites such as Gooddeals.com. There are many types and prices available. These units are perfectly humane and work using sonic and ultrasonic sound waves to deter birds.

2. Follow the instructions on installing the bird repeller that come with the unit. Depending on the area covered by the bird repeller, some distance may be allowed between the unit and the feeding area.

3. Check to ensure batteries are installed (if required). Using a calendar may serve as a helpful reminder on when to check the batteries for replacement.

Use an Automatic Dog Feeder with A Food Access Door

1. Select an automatic dog feeder that provides a food access door so that only the weight of the dog's head can open it. For ideas on what type to buy, view dog feeders at officialdoghouse.com.

2. Place the feeder in the same position where the dog normally eats and fill partially with dog food.

3. Encourage the dog to the feeder with a special treat placed in the food tray area.

4. Assist the dog several times in retrieving food from the automatic feeder until you are comfortable a routine has been established.

References

• Bird Guards, Bird Repellent & Bird Control Products
• Dog Feeder with Access Door

Resources

• Dog Food Secrets